Botanical Garden Safety Training

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Botanical Garden Safety Training

Class Objectives

About EHS

Fire Safety

Workers’ Compensation

Hazard Communications

Personal Protective Equipment

Heat Stress

Insect/Bug Safety

About EHS

Workplace Safety Program:

Every State Agency is required to have a written Health and

Safety program with clearly stated goals or objectives that

promote safe and healthful working conditions.

The Environment, Health & Safety manual along with

individual manuals developed by each area serve as the

University’s written Health & Safety Program.

About EHS

Other elements of the Workplace Safety

Program:

Conduct new employee training to help with the

identification of and correction of hazards.

Review workplace incidents and develop ways to

eliminate or minimize hazards.

Employee input through Safety Committees.

Fire Safety

Fire Safety

Every employees understanding and contribution to Fire Safety is the key to an effective fire protection program for UNC-CH.

Fire Prevention

Regularly inspecting your area for the following problems can prevent a fire from occurring and provide safe passage in the event of a fire:

Electrical hazards.

Storage in hallways.

Blocked exits.

Adequate lighting.

General housekeeping.

Fire Safety

Planned evacuation routes should be posted on your office bulletin board and at all elevators.

It is encouraged that evacuation areas are evaluated every day to ensure there are no obstructions.

Fire stairwell doors should remain closed at all times.

Fire Safety

EHS Emergency Evacuation Plan

Fire Safety-R.A.C.E.

Procedures to follow in the event of a fire emergency:

R – Remove or rescue individuals in immediate danger.

A – Activate the alarm by pulling a fire pull station located in the corridors and calling 911.

C – Confine the fire by closing windows, vents, and doors.

E – Evacuate to a safe area. (Know evacuation routes for your areas.)

Fire Classifications

Special liquid or dry powder

agent

Combustible Metals (ex: magnesium

sodium)

Dry chemicals such as carbon

dioxide or halogenated

agents

Electrical

Dry chemicals such as carbon

dioxide or halogenated

agents

Flammable Liquids such as

petroleum base oil, solvents,

greases, and gasses

WaterOrdinary combustible products such

as paper, cloth or wood

Extinguisher ContainsFire TypeClass

* University buildings are currently equipped with Type ABC fire extinguishers, except in computer labs or mechanical rooms which have CO2 extinguishers.

Fire Safety

Even though not everyone is required to receive annual hands on fire extinguisher training, it is important for ALL employees to know how to use a fire extinguisher.

PULL the pin: This unlocks the operating lever and allows you

to discharge the extinguisher. Some extinguishers may have

other seals or tamper indicators.

AIM low: Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base

of the fire.

SQUEEZE the lever above the handle: This discharges

the extinguishing agent. Releasing the lever will stop the

discharge. (Some extinguishers have a button instead of

a lever.)

SWEEP from side to side: Moving carefully toward the

fire, keep the extinguisher aimed at the base of the fire

and sweep back and forth until the flames appear to be

out. Watch the fire area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the

process.

Using the P.A.S.S. Method

Fire Safety

Use of fire extinguisher:

Keep your back to an exit, and stand six to eight feet away from the fire.

Follow the PASS procedure.

If the fire does not begin to go out immediately, leave the area at once.

Fire Safety

A few tips:

Everyone is responsible for keeping work area safe from fires.

Review evacuation routes to ensure that exits and passageways are unobstructed.

Practice good office/shop hygiene.

Store flammable liquids and combustible material properly.

Report any hazards or concerns to Environment,

Health & Safety @ (919) 962 – 5507.



Workers’ Compensation benefits are available to anyemployee who suffers disability through accident or illnessarising out of, and in the scope of, his or her employment,according to the North Carolina Workers Compensation Act.

Benefits include: Medical – All authorized medical services. (physician visit, Rx’s,

rehabilitation, etc)

Leave – Is provided when a medical provider places an employee outof work.


Reporting an On-the Job Injury/Illness:

No matter how minor the incident.

If you experience an on-the-job injury or illness report the incident immediately to your supervisor, no matter how minor it appears to be.

Once the injury is reported, an accident investigation will occur to determine the cause of the incident and corrective action taken to prevent the incident from reoccurring.

**Failure to report an incident could result in the denial of a worker’s compensation claim!


Medical Treatment:

Go directly to the University Employee Occupational Health Clinic (UEOHC) under the Health Affairs Bookstore on North Medical Drive. (Hours: 8:30-4:30 Monday-Friday) *Except holidays

After hours injury/illness, call UEOHC @ (919) 966-9119 for instructions.

If life threatening, then go to the emergency room located in the Neurosciences Hospital on Manning Drive.


South Columbia Street

Hazard

Communication

Hazard Communication

OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.1200.

“To ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are evaluated, and that information concerning their hazards is transmitted to employers and employees.”

Right-to-Know.

Four elements: Labeling

Hazardous Chemical Inventories

SDS

Training


Labeling:

Used to identify hazardous materials.

All containers must be labeled with at least:

Name of the chemical. (Spelled out completely)

Hazard warnings associated with product.

Name and address of manufacturer.

Labels should never be removed unless they are immediately replaced.


Workers are encouraged to:

Read the warning label.

Understand the warnings.

If unsure of how to deal with any of the hazards listed on the warning label, check the SDS for more information, and/or ask Supervisor.


National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Labeling System:

The NFPA uses a symbol known as the “fire

diamond” to categorize hazardous materials. Each

diamond indicates the chemical’s level of danger in

that category.


NFPA Diamond

Example: Sulfur Trioxide + Water = Sulfuric Acid

Hazard Communication-Signs


U002Class 3:

Flammable

Liquid

Hanes Art Center:

105

Yes1.250 lbs.Acetone

Generic Chemical,

Inc.

RCRA

Code

(EHS Use)

Compatibility

Group

Location/ Room #SDS

(Y/N)

Quantity

(g/L/gal,lbs)

Hazardous Material

Name

(Product Name &

Manufacturer)

All departments must maintain a current Chemical Inventory List that is reviewed and updated at least annually.

Example:

* Sample use only

Hazardous Communication

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)(Formerly known as Material Safety Data Sheets)

Must be accessible 24 hours a day.

Must be available for every chemical on departments CIL.

Information covered:

Identification of chemical

Manufacture name , address, & phone number.

Physical and chemical information.

Health hazards.

Handling and storage.

Accidental release measures.

Exposure controls/PPE.

Emergency and first aid treatment for exposures.


There are two general types of chemical hazards:

Physical Hazards create dangerous situations and have been proven to be a combustible liquid, compressed gas, explosive, flammable, organic peroxide, oxidizer, pyrophoric, unstable, or water-reactive.

Health Hazards are chemicals that can produce

negative health effects in exposed employees. (ex.

Irritants, carcinogens, corrosives, neurotoxins)

Can be acute or chronic.


Acute health effects are the negative effects from a substance that occur after one or multiple exposures in a short period of time. (Ex. Hydrochloric Acid)

Chronic health effects are the negative effects from a substance that occur over a longer period of time, usually from repeated exposure of low doses. Sometimes delayed for years. (Ex. Asbestos)


Routes of Exposure

Inhalation

Absorption

Ingestion

Injection

**The most likely target depends upon the characteristics of the material being used.


Inhalation:

Primary route of entry.

Airborne contaminants such as gases, vapors, and particulate matter that enters the body.


Absorption:

Can occur very quickly through cuts or abrasions on the skin.

Depending on contaminant characteristics, absorption may occur through intact skin.

Mucous membranes and eye tissue are particularly vulnerable.


Ingestion:

Direct tasting of chemicals.

Occurs mostly when contaminated items are placed in mouth.

Purpose for banning food, drinks, cosmetics, and other items from lab areas.

Personal hygiene labeling, and housekeeping are very important to ingestion hazard control.

Wash hands before leaving each lab.


Injection:

Includes all puncture wounds.

Ex. Needle sticks, broken glass, capillary tubes, or pipettes.

Use carefully planned procedures and personal attentiveness, including needle blocks.

Target Organs

Liver (carbon tetrachloride)

Kidney (uranium, chloroform)

Nervous System (mercury)

Blood (carbon monoxide)

Lungs (silica, asbestos)

Reproductive System (lead)

Skin (acetone)

Eyes (organic solvents, acids)


Hazardous Materials Training: Required for all employees who work with or

have chemicals in their workplace.

Required upon employment and when new chemicals are introduced.

Supervisor will provide more in depth mandatory training for those working with chemicals that covers: Proper use

Handling


Personal Protective

Equipment


OSHA & ANSI PPE Regulate PPE

Occupational Safety & Health Administration.

American National Standards Institute.

Three main controls:

Administrative – Policies and procedures that control the amount and time of exposure. (ex. Breaks, job rotation)

Engineering – Physical changes to a workplace. (ex. Lifting aids, machine guarding)

PPE – Used to protect the head, face, eyes, feet, respiratory system, hearing, and body. (ex. Ear plugs, nitrile gloves, steel toed shoes)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided to employees at NO COST, and your supervisor should issue proper PPE for job duties.



Fundamentals of PPE:

Hazard Management Plan (HMP)

Contains a PPE Hazard Assessment section which reviews job tasks for employees that require the use of PPE.

Shop supervisor Duties:

Reviews the use and care of PPE required for worker.

Signs the Certificate of Personal Protective Equipment Training with the worker.


Fundamentals of PPE Continued:

Protecting your PPE:

Inspect before each use to make sure it is sanitary and in good working condition.

Things to check for:

Holes, cracks, scratches, wear & tear, frayed parts

Clean before storing.

Store in a cool, dry, and secure area.

Respirators and ear plugs should not be shared.


Head Protection (OSHA 1910.135, ANSI Z89.1): Common injuries include neck sprains, electrical shock,

concussions, and skull fractures.

Causes include falling or flying objects, and falling or walking into hard objects.

Hard hats have a rigid shell on the outside and a suspension system inside.

Classes of hard hats for industry:

Class A – general service, limited voltage protection; impact resistant

Class B – utility service, high voltage protection; impact resistant

Class C – special service, no voltage protection and no corrosive substance protection; impact resistant


Eye and Face Protection (OSHA 1910.133, ANSI

Z87.1): Required if you are exposed to flying particles,

molten metals, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemicals gases or radiation.

Safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield may be required. May be required to be worn together depending on

departmental procedures.

UNC-CH has a prescription safety glasses program for employees.


Hand Protection (OSHA 1910.138): Gloves should be worn to prevent cuts, abrasions,

punctures, contact with chemicals, or exposure to temperature extremes.

Types of gloves: Nitrile – acids.

Rubber – electricity.

Latex – weak chemicals. Should not be used when working with petroleum

based chemicals.

Leather – sharp or rough surfaces.

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Foot Protection (OSHA 1910.136, ANSI Z41.1-1967(before 7/5/1994) and Z41-1991 (after 7/5/1994) : Required if there is potential for falling/rolling objects, electrical

shock, or objects that can pierce the sole of your shoe.

UNC-CH policy is that anyone lifting more than 15 pounds are required to wear safety shoes.

University will pay up to $80 for safety shoes in accordance the Office of State Personnel.

American National Safety Standard ANSI Z41 PT 91

Located on inner flap of safety shoe. Tells exact hazards the shoe protects against.

**NEW STANDARD: ASTM F 2412-05 and ASTM F 2413-05 may be found on the inner flaps of newer safety shoes.


Respiratory Protection (OSHA 1910.134, ANSI Z88.1): Worn to prevent exposure to dust, fogs, fumes, mists, gases,

smoke, sprays, or vapors.

Should never be the first line of defense.

First line of defense is to “engineer out” the need.

Required where exposure cannot be fully controlled.

UNC-CH has a program in place that offers (done before a respirator can be worn):

Selection of respirators.

Annual medical evaluation.

Annual training.

Annual fit testing.

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Hearing Protection (OSHA 1926.101): Helps prevent hearing damage fatigue, and stress caused by

excessive noise.

UNC-CH Hearing Conservation Program Requires annual training and annual audiometric testing to help

prevent hearing loss.

OSHA Requirements Anyone exposed to a noise level of 85 decibels or higher over an 8

hour-Time Weighted Average must be part of a Hearing Conservation Program.

Employer must provide training in the use of all provided hearing protectors.

Types of hearing protection offered: Earplugs, earmuffs, ear bands

Heat Stress

Heat Stress

Background Information:

Climatic and Environmental Conditions

Air temperature, humidity, air movement, temperature of surrounding surfaces

Demands of the Work

May increase the stress on the body to regulate temperature.

Individual responses vary.

Clothing

Can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature.

– Insulation, permeability, weight, fit, and ventilation.

Additional equipment may also have this affect.

– Respirator use, and other PPE.

Personal Characteristics

Age, weight, previous heat stress conditions, certain medical conditions, medication use, overall health, and physical fitness.

Heat Stress

Heat stress within a work environment will not only increase the risk for heat related conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but can also increase the risk for work place accidents due to lower mental alertness and physical performance.

Disorder Signs Symptoms

Dehydration Loss of work capacity.

Delayed response to stimuli.

Fatigue.

Weakness.

Dry mouth.

Heat Exhaustion

High pulse rate, confusion, anxiety.

Profuse sweating; Low blood pressure.

Pale face, or flushing.

Body temperature increased but below 104 degrees F.

Excessive thirst, decreased urine output.

Fatigue, malaise

Weakness

Blurred vision

Dizziness

Headache

Nausea

Loss of appetite

Heat Rash Skin eruptions. Itching skin, prickly

Sensation.

Heat Stroke

Red face.

Mental status changes such as Disorientation,

Confusion or Irritability.

Hot, dry skin.

Erratic behavior; Collapse.

Shivering; Body temperature >104 F.

May be same as those

for heat exhaustion.

(see above)

Heat Cramps Incapacitating pain in muscle.

Muscle cramps

(abdominal and lower

extremities)

Fatigued muscles

Heat Syncope Brief fainting or near fainting behavior. Blurred vision.

Heat Stress

Preventive Controls:

Any mechanism used to minimize or eliminate an

exposure to a hazard.

There are three types of controls:

Administrative. (Changes in the work schedule.)

Engineering. (Adding fans or A/C to an area.)

Personal Protective Equipment. (Hats and/or

loose fitting clothing.)

Heat Stress

Signs and symptoms of heat stress:

Supervisors, co-workers, and employees are responsible for monitoring the signs and symptoms of heat related problems.

Supervisors should regularly check workers.

Take extra care in monitoring those at high risk. (Older, overweight, chronic medical conditions, etc.)

Also, employees should monitor themselves.

Use a buddy system. (Monitor each other for heat stress symptoms.)

Supervisors should make sure employees are self-monitoring. (Can be done by asking for how the employee believes they feel at a particular time.)

Heat Stress

OSHA 1910.141 & OSHA General Duty Clause.

Cool and clean water shall be immediately available to any employee who is required to work outdoors or within indoor environments with excessively hot temperatures.

Heat Stress

Departments and work units are to alert at risk employees and implement preventative measures for working in heat when conditions are present that contribute to heat stress.

When the alert is placed, it should include:

A reminder of signs and symptoms.

How to control exposure.

Re-emphasis of the preventative work strategies to be followed.

Heat Stress

Department, Work Unit, and Supervisor Responsibilities:

A Job Safety Analysis is to be completed which provides detail information to their employee on the following information:

Recognition of heat stress and risk factors.

Preventive measures that are used during periods of exposure to excessive heat. This depends upon the work being done, the work environment, and the employee doing the work.

Fluid replacement.

How an employee can determine if they are experiencing heat stress related symptoms.

Heat Stress

Employee’s Responsibility:

Participate in heat stress training.

Take extra care if you are in a high risk category.

Follow the information given in the work unit JSA.

Take the time to acclimate to heat and humidity.

Drink plenty of fluids.

Wear appropriate clothing.

Pace yourself.

Monitor yourself and if possible have a buddy system.

Report to your supervisor if you have any known or suspected unsafe conditions or procedures.

Heat Stress

Exposure Monitoring:

At your request, EHS will evaluate the worksite for heat stress risk and make recommendations on ways to manage the exposure to heat.

Temperature exposure.

The demands of the work.

PPE being used.

Recommendations will address controls and safe exposure times for a given level of heat stress.

Insect/Bug Safety

Insect/Bug Safety

Do’s:

Cover exposed skin.

Wear light colored clothing.

Use repellant with DEET.

Wear proper PPE. Ex. Steel toed shoes, long pants, long sleeve shirt, gloves, hat, etc.

Don’ts:

No cologne or perfume.

Do not agitate bees/wasps/Fire Ants.

Insect/Bug Safety

Insects to look out for:

Mosquitoes

Bees, Wasps, Yellow Jackets, and Africanized Bees

Ticks

Fire Ants

Spiders

Insect/Bug Safety

Mosquitoes:

Related diseases include SLE, EEE, and West Nile Virus.

Apply mosquito repellant as needed if there are

mosquitoes in the area you are working.

Wear light colored clothing, long-sleeved shirt, long

pants, and socks.

The usual hours for mosquitoes are dusk to dawn.

Some mosquitoes do feed during the day.

Insect/Bug Safety

Mosquitoes:

Within three days of being exposed watch for the

following Encephalitis symptoms:

Headache

Fever

Nausea

Vomiting

If you suspect a problem, seek medical attention

immediately.

Insect/Bug Safety

Bees, Wasps, Yellow Jackets,

and African Honey Bees:

Stings kill more people each year than all other venomous animals

combined.

Yellow jackets can sting repeatedly, while bees sting only once but the

barb is left in the skin.

Africanized honey bees mark the person/object with a chemical when it

stings so that other bees know what to attack.

Even if a person is not sensitive to these different types of stings, multiple

stings can still cause Anaphylactic Shock.

Insect/Bug Safety

Bees, Wasps, Yellow Jackets, and African Honey Bees

Things to look out for and do:

Look out for swarms.

Bee hives and yellow jacket nests can be found in hollow

trees, culverts, and hanging tree limbs.

Food and drinks should be kept in your vehicle.

Loud noises, engine vibration, and the deliberate agitation of

a hive may and can provoke an attack.

In the case of an attack, cover your face and run.

Notify a co-worker and/or call 911.

Insect/Bug Safety

Bees, Wasps, Yellow Jackets, and African Honey Bees

If stung:

Ask a co-worker to observe your reactions.

Call 911 if there are symptoms of Anaphylactic Shock.

Remove the bee stinger by scraping horizontally with a knife or fingernail.

Never squeeze the stinger.

Wash the area to avoid infection.

If you’re allergic to stings be sure to wear a medic-alert bracelet.

Ice-packs, steroid creams, sting kill swaps, antihistamine ointments, and tablets such as Benadryl may help to alleviate swelling and pain.

Once a person has had an allergic reaction they are more likely to have them in the future.

(Always carry an emergency self-treatment kit if allergic. (i.e. -EpiPen)

Insect/Bug Safety

Quick Stats for Bees/Wasps/Y.J.’s:

25 deaths per year are attributed to Bee, Wasp, and

Yellow Jacket stings.

50% of these deaths are attributed to Honey Bee stings.

The other 50% are attributed to Wasp and Yellow Jackets.

Insect/Bug Safety

Fire Ants:

A colony of fire ants can inflict 5,000 or more stings

only within a few seconds of being disturbed.

The venom is toxic.

Can induce an emergency situation.

Insect/Bug Safety

Fire Ants:

Can be found:

Under buildings

In mounds

Fields

Ditches

Utility boxes – May cause a power outage or present a fire

hazard.

Keep piles of dirt away from buildings.

Do not attempt to remove a nest unless you are authorized to do

so. Call an exterminator if needed.

Insect/Bug Safety

Fire Ants:

If stung multiple times, ask a co-worker to observe your

symptoms.

Those who are allergic can suffer A.S.

If difficulty in breathing or swallowing is experienced,

call 911.

Insect/Bug Safety

Ticks:

Types to Know:

A. Dog Tick – Shrubby Environment, RMSF

*Vertical white speckled lines (male). White speckled

horseshoe shape (female).

Black Legged Tick – very small, LD in northern areas.

*Male is black. Female has a black horseshoe shape.

Brown Dog Tick – Mostly dogs.

*Dark brown in color.

Lone Star Tick – Human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) &

southern tick associated rash illness (STARI – similar to

lyme disease).

*Male is light brown. White spot on female.

Insect/Bug Safety

Ticks:

Diseases associated with ticks include Lyme Disease and

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Lyme Disease has been found in ticks that were on deer,

mice, black bears, opossums, raccoons, skunks,

woodchucks, gray squirrels, and red foxes.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever occurs most often on the

Atlantic seaboard, and the southeast and south-central

states.

Insect/Bug Safety

Ticks:

Lyme Disease

Is a bacteria carried by deer ticks.

Can cause crippling, nervous system damage, and joint

problems.

Years after the exposure an individual can suffer from heart

abnormalities and other problems.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

If untreated, it can cause flu-like symptoms, metal confusion,

gangrene, and even death.

Insect/Bug Safety

Ticks: Check your entire body for ticks after working in wooded or dense

brush areas.

If a tick is found:

Remove it with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers.

Pull the tick straight out.

Once removed, clean the area with soap and water, or alcohol.

Do not remove a tick by:

Twisting it.

Lit match or hot pin – Fumes of bacteria or viruses may be breathed in and absorbed.

Seek medical attention if a problem is suspected.

Insect/Bug Safety

Ticks:

Lyme Disease Symptoms

Red rash that looks similar to a bull’s eye.

Unusual fatigue.

Arthritis-type pain.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Symptoms

Flu-like fever and chills.

Sever headache.

Aching muscles.

Unproductive cough.

Loss of appetite.

Fatigue.

Abdominal pain.

Sensitivity to light.

Insect/Bug Safety

Spiders:

Two spiders to be aware of are the Black Widow

spider and the Brown Recluse.

Both are highly venomous.

The black widow is more venomous with a venom that is 15

times more poisonous than rattlesnake venom.

The venom of the Brown Recluse can damage body tissues if

left untreated.

Insect/Bug Safety

Spiders:

Can be found in dark areas around bushes, holes, under rocks, wood piles, and brush piles.

Wear heavy duty gloves when moving objects that spiders may be in or around.

Always be on the lookout for Black Widows , Brown Recluse, and other spiders as well.

You may have been bitten if you notice a tingling sensation, sudden nausea, or stomach pain.

Seek medical attention immediately.

Insect/Bug Safety

Spiders:

A spider bite may not be felt right away.

There may be two red dots and a swollen area.

If bitten by a Black Widow:

Your stomach muscles may become rigid, and the abdominal

pain and cramps can last up to 48 hours.

A spider bite can be fatal.

If you experience high blood pressure due to the bite,

convulsions, or A.S. seek medical attention immediately.

Insect/Bug Safety

Insect/Bug Safety

Other animals to be on the look out for:

Snakes.

Caterpillars.

Rats and mice.

Insect/Bug Safety

Caterpillars:

Some can be life threatening.

Due to the short, hollow spines that contain poison.

The spines break and poison flows into your body.

Most poisonings occur due to accidental contact.

Spray infested vegetation with EPA-approved

insecticide if necessary.

Insect/Bug Safety

Caterpillars:

Contact will cause:

Immediate burning pain.

Numbness.

Swelling.

Remove all imbedded hairs by applying adhesive tape to pull them out.

Wash the area with soap and water.

Seek medical attention if you experience:

Nausea

Vomiting

High fever

Difficulty breathing

Anaphylactic Shock

Insect/Bug Safety

Snakes:

Includes rattlesnakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, and

coral snakes.

Leave them alone.

Most are bitten by trying to get a better look or when they

are trying to kill the snake.

Be on the lookout around piles of wood, thick brush

areas, and under rocks.

Insect/Bug Safety

Snakes:

A venomous snake bite will induce swelling within 10 minutes.

Fingers and toes become numb and there may be a metallic taste in the persons mouth.

Drowsiness may also occur, as well as difficulty swallowing or forming words.

AVOID RUNNING and try not to panic.

Wrap above the bite with a belt or rope to minimize the flow of venom.

Keep the bite area lower than your heart. Raising the bite area above the heart will cause the venom to spread more quickly.

DO NOT attempt to remove the venom with your mouth. This can cause infection.

SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMEDIATELY!! All snake bites are considered an emergency situation.

If you wait too long to seek treatment, it increases the odds of long-term problems.

Snakes, Insect/Bug Safety

Copperhead

Insect/Bug Safety

Rodents:

Hantaviruses – Can be deadly.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome.

Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome.

Can be obtained when fresh rodent urine, droppings, saliva,

or nesting material becomes airborne and is breathed in by

the individual.

Insect/Bug Safety

Rodents (Hantavirus Prevention):

Wear latex or vinyl gloves and a half-face air purifying respirator equipped with HEPA filters.

After use, disinfect gloves before removal, and wash hands with soap and warm water immediately.

Drench the rodent material with a disinfectant solution of 1:10 bleach to water mix.

When completely wet, the contaminated materials can be picked up with a damp towel.

When the material is cleared, the area can then be mopped down with the disinfectant solution.

Dead rodents should be sprayed with disinfectant and double bagged with debris. (CHECK LOCAL OR STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT

RECCOMENDATIONS!!)

Seek medical attention if you develop a fever, deep muscle aches, and severe shortness of breath after working around rodents.

PHONE: 919.962.5507

WEB: WWW.EHS.UNC.EDU

Address:

1120 Estes Drive Ext.

Campus Box 1650

Chapel Hill, NC, 27599

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Botanical Garden Safety Training